Prince Kuhio Celebration Kauai Features Two Weeks of Native Hawaiian Cultural Events, March 15 – 29, 2014

During the last two weeks of March on Kauai daily events are in the line-up to honor Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Born on the south side of Kauai, Prince Kuhio is also known as Hawaii’s ‘Prince of the People’ for his efforts as a statesman to perpetuate Hawaiian cultural values and the Hawaiian people. Kuhio’s birthday is an official state holiday in Hawaii. Most events are free of charge to the public.

POIPU, KAUAI, –A multitude of events on Kauai are set for March 15-29, 2014, to celebrate Prince Kuhio’s birthday (an official state holiday in Hawaii). Kuhio was one of Hawaii’s most beloved ali’i (royalty) and statesmen. Spanning a two-week period the events are located in Poipu, Eleele, Lihue, and Wailua. The Prince Kuhio Celebration, intended to honor Kuhio and his efforts to foster Hawaiian cultural values, provides a long list of interactive educational sessions about Hawaiian cultural practices, arts and crafts. New to the line-up this year are the Makauwahi Cave Tour at Makauwahi Reserve, a treasure trove of indigenous and endemic plant species and archeological research. The Royal Order of Kamehameha has also added a tour of Prince Kuhio’s birthplace. Adding to the mix are many opportunities for entertainment, observing cultural traditions, attending luaus, a rodeo and an outrigger canoe race. Sampling local foods, hearing “talk story” sessions and viewing commemorative ceremonies are also part of the schedule. Check the website, http://princekuhio.net, for a complete event schedule.

Experts in lomilomi massage, salt-making, stone carving, feather arts, kapa (tapa) making, lei-making, coconut and lauhala weaving, healing arts, poi-pounding, quilting, moolelo (myths), and hula kahiko (ancient hula), among others, will be on hand March 22-24 at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa to teach Native Hawaiian cultural practices. Na Kupuna, a group of elders will also share stories, “talking-story” about everyday life. In addition, there will be sections where traditional Hawaiian children’s games will be taught.

Evening entertainment on the 23rd will feature the award winning slack-key guitarists and singers Ledward Ka`apana and Mike Ka`awa. This duo brings a strong mix of instrumental and vocal Hawaiian music, considered tops among slack key artists. The concert starts at 8 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.

These events are partially sponsored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Kauai County, along with the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.

March 15-28 – Prince Kuhio Celebration
A multitude of events on Kauai are set for March 15-28, 2014, to celebrate Prince Kuhio’s birthday (an official state holiday in Hawaii). Kuhio was one of Hawaii’s most beloved alii (royalty) and statesmen. Spanning a two-week period the events Kuhio’s are located in Poipu, Eleele, Lihue, and Wailua. The Prince Kuhio Celebration, intended to honor Kuhio and his efforts to foster Hawaiian cultural values, provides a long list of interactive educational sessions about Hawaiian cultural practices, arts and crafts. New to the line-up this year are the Makauwahi Cave Tour, a treasure trove of indigenous and endemic plant species and archeological research. The Royal Order of Kamehameha has also added a tour of Prince Kuhio’s birthplace. Adding to the mix are many opportunities for entertainment, observing cultural traditions, attending luaus, a rodeo and an outrigger canoe race. Sampling local foods, hearing “talk story” sessions and viewing commemorative ceremonies are also on the schedule. For more information, http://princekuhio.net

March 15 – Prince Kuhio Artisan Fair at Poipu Beach Park
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Enjoy a wealth of local talent with over 40 of Kauai’s fine artisans. Photography, jewelry, aloha wear, wood carvings, lau hala baskets, pounded mulberry bark, passion fruit and assorted jewelry, original oil paintings, table linens and more. Local plate lunches and shave ice all day. Hear a performance by drummer-maker, Heifara. Learn about Prince Kuhio at the history table and participate in the Charity Walk silent auction. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or  Judith Webb, judithhawaii@yahoo.com, 808-245-9021 . Located at Poipu Beach Park.

March 16 – Prince Kuhio Rodeo at CJM Stables
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — See Kauai’s exciting young riders compete in barrel racing, pole bending, goat-tying, breakaway roping, bull riding and double mugging. Rodeos and horseback riding have long-been a tradition in Hawaii, since the early days of the plantation era. No charge. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or  email Charlene Medeiros at charmedeiros@yahoo.com.  Stables are located at the eastern end of the Poipu area (travel 1.5 miles past the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa).

March 16 – Prince Kuhio – Wisdom of the Kupuna at National Tropical Botanical Gardens
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Join Kupuna Mele Brewer as she discusses the art of hula. Learn a hula, or create your own lei. Lei class is limited to 50 participants. No charge, Call 808-742-2433, to register for lei making. Gardens are located at 4425 Lawa`i Road, Koloa, 96756, across from Spouting Horn, west of Poipu.

March 17 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – Pa‘akai (art of salt making)
9:30 a.m. — If you are touring on the west side of the island, stop by Salt Pond Park at Pu’olo Point in Hanapepe (east side of the park) and visit with `Anake (Aunty) Janet Kahalekomo and her `ohana (family) as they share their history and knowledge of cultivating Kauai’s red salt, a prized product among cooks and local families on Kauai. Open to the public at no charge. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or  contact Carla Thomas at carla.thomas@hyatt.com or call 808-742-1234, ext. 4050. Located at the end of Kaalani Road in Hanapepe.

March 18 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – A Royal Dinner at Plantation Gardens
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. — Dine on the incredible array of specialty dishes at this well-known eatery, or savor a multi-course special menu offering traditional Native Hawaiian foods assembled in extraordinary combinations. Delight in the surroundings of this old plantation-style home surrounded by exotic orchid and cactus gardens. Wear your best Hawaiian-style clothing. Be serenaded by our local musicians and enjoy the swaying of a hula dancer.  While waiting for a table or to be served, please join in interactive demonstrations working with aho (cordage), lau ki (ti leaf), or create a kupe`e (wrist lei). Call 808-742-2121 for dinner reservations and information. Located at 2253 Poipu Road, Koloa 96756.

March 19 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – “Talk Story” at the Waiohai
9:00 a.m. — Flora and fauna tour. 10:00  a.m. — Observe an opening protocol ceremony, followed by “talk story” sessions from Kauai’s south shore kupuna (knowledgeable ones) who are well-versed in the Native Hawaiian culture. Hear them convey the traditional oral history and stories of Kauai’s south side region. This is an outstanding opportunity to ask questions and hear answers about much of Kauai’s history and cultural practices. No charge. For information http://princekuhio.net or call 808-742-4400 (front desk). Located at 2249 Poipu Road, Koloa, 96756.

March 20 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – Makauwahi Cave Tour at Mahaulepu
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — The richest fossil site in the Hawaiian Islands is found east of Poipu at the Makauwahi Cave, an open ceiling sinkhole that is a uniquely preserved archaeological site. Considered a living museum, this 17-acre area serves to both interpret ancient history of Hawaiian plant, animal and human activity as well as work on the future of indigenous plants. Learn how native plants and animal species have been restored and continue to thrive. Wear walking shoes, bring water. Cost – $10. For reservations, Mary Werthine, makauwahi@gmail.com, 480-225-5604. Located 3 miles east of Poipu. Click here for driving directions.

March 21 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – Cultural Demonstrations at Grand Hyatt Kaua‘I Resort and Spa
2 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Hear about many Native Hawaiian cultural and art practices, including weaving, working with kalo (taro), stone-carving, Hawaiian weapons, making drums, making tapa (kapa), creation of kupe`e (bracelets). Learn some of these practices through hands-on teaching sessions and ukulele lessons. No charge. Please call concierge to register for lessons. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or Carla Thomas, carla.thomas@hyatt.com, 808-742-1234, ext. 4050. Located at 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, 96756.

March 22 – Prince Kuhio Commemorative Ceremonies at Prince Kuhio Park
10:00 a.m. — Observe the protocol of honoring Prince Kuhio’s birthday with ho`okupu (gifts), hula (dance), and oli (chant). Ceremonies, song and dance reflect Native Hawaiian traditional cultural practices. Open to the public with some tent seating and lawn seating. Bring sunscreen and hat. No charge to the public. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or Peter Kea with the Royal Order of Kamehameha, gpkea@yahoo.com, 347-615-2164.  Located on Lawai Road on the way to Spouting Horn.

March 22 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – 43rd Annual Long Distance Canoe Race
At 8 a.m., the Men’s Division will paddle from Kalapaki Beach to just outside Kukui`ula Harbor.  At 10:30 a.m., the Women’s teams will paddle from just outside of Kukui`ula Harbor to Salt Pond Park. An awards ceremony will be held at Salt Pond Park. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or Pomaikai Kane, with the Garden Island Canoe Racing Association, pkaneautoplus@yahoo.com or call 808-651-2996.

March 22 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – Kaapana and Kaawa Concert at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
8:15 p.m. Hear the extraordinary sounds of these award-winning slack key guitarists who are considered masters of Hawaiian music. (No-host bar available).  6-8 p.m. – Torchlighting Ceremony, Hawaiian music duo and Keiki (children’s hula). No charge. Seating is on a first come-first served basis. For more information, Carla Thomas, carla.thomas@hyatt.com or call 808-742-1234, ext. 4050. Located at 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, 96756.

March 23 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – Opening Protocol and Taiko Drumming at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
9:00 a.m. — Observe an opening protocol ceremony with the presentation of hookupu (gifts) in honor of Prince Kuhio, followed by an exciting performance of Taiko drumming. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or Carla Thomas, Carla.thomas@hyatt.com, 808-742-1234, ext. 4050.

March 23 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – Cultural Demonstrations and Crafts at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Hear about many Native Hawaiian cultural and art practices, including weaving, working with kalo (taro), stone-carving, Hawaiian weapons, making drums, making tapa (kapa), creation of kupe`e (bracelets). Learn some of these practices through hands-on teaching sessions. Participate in hula kahiko (ancient hula) lessons at 10 a.m. Enjoy outstanding crafts and local art on display during our cultural craft fair. Silent auction to benefit Pa Hula Na Kane O Keoneloa and the annual HLTA Charity Walk.  No charge. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or Carla Thomas, carla.thomas@hyatt.com, 808-742-1234, ext. 4050. Located at 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, 96756.

March 24 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – Prince Kuhio Park Tour
10:00 a.m. — Learn about the historic birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole, and his significance to the Native Hawaiian culture. Join the Royal Order of Kamehameha, Chapter 3, as they take you on a journey through time. Wear sunscreen, covered shoes, and a hat. Bring water. No charge. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or Peter Kea, gpkea@yahoo.com, 347-615-2164.

March 25 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – Evening of Entertainment at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
6:00 to 6:30 p.m. — Enjoy music song and dance with special performances in tribute to Prince Kuhio in honor of his birthday (March 26th). Contemporary Hawaiian music by Leilani Rivera Low, plus a torchlighting ceremony, and keiki (children’s hula) performing ancient and modern dance. No charge. For more information http://princekuhio.net or  Carla Thomas, carla.thomas@hyatt.com, 808-742-1234, ext. 4050. Located at 1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, 96756.

March 27 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – “Talk Story” at the Kauai Marriott
10 a.m. — See an opening protocol ceremony, followed by “talk story” sessions from Kauai’s our eastside kupuna (knowledgeable ones) who are well-versed in the Native Hawaiian culture. Hear them convey the traditional oral history and stories of Kauai’s central and eastside regions. This is another outstanding opportunity to ask questions and hear answers about much of Kauai’s history and cultural practices. Hawaiian cultural activities are also planned throughout the day, flower lei making, hula lessons, Hawaiian music and  more. No charge. For more information, http://princekuhio.net or call 808-632-820 (front desk). Located at 3325 Holokawelu Way, Lihu`e, 96766

March 28 – Prince Kuhio Celebration – Luau at Smith’s Tropical Paradise
5 p.m. — The Smith Family has been sharing the history and culture of the Wailua River Valley with visitors and kama’aina for more than 60 years. Kumu Kaha’i Topolinski will showcase photos and stories of Prince Kuhio and his family on the island of Kauai from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m.  Several of Kauai’s eastside kupuna will also be on hand to “talk story” about local history and legends. At 6 p.m., learn of the cooking style known as kalua, at the imu ceremony before enjoying a bounty of island food and drinks and experiencing the songs and dances from Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. For more information and reservations, call 808-821-6895 or check Smith’s website. Located at 3-5971 Kuhio Highway, Wailua, 96746.